Stay FIT for the HOLIDAYS!

Uh oh… It’s that time of year again, the holiday season. This time of year is loaded with fun festivities, family, friends, and of course….FOOD.

Tis the season of weight gain. First came the halloween candy kick-off, now we dive headfirst into the Holidays with dinner feasts and desserts lurking at each corner. Everywhere you turn there are holiday-inspired treats lurking. It’s no secret that this is a season full of food and drinks in which to indulge.

So, how do you maintain a healthy lifestyle with all of these temptations around??

Brown & Coconut has a few tips so that losing holiday weight doesn’t have to be your 2014 New Years Resolution.

1) Keep your first line of defense up!

What is your first line of defense?? FOOD, WATER, & SLEEP!

Okay, okay, let me explain.

You might not be able to control the constant flirting that sweet little pumpkin pie is doing with you from across the room (did it just wink at you??), but you CAN be sure to prepare your body for all the food flirtation by doing the following:

Get 8 or more hours of sleep per night

A lack of sleep can send our appetite into overdrive, making you more likely to saunter over to that pie and do something you know you shouldn’t. Choosing to not let a good night’s rest take a back seat to the holiday chaos will definitely help you ward off those extra pounds.

Stay hydrated.

Drinking adequate amounts of water per day (2-3 liters on average) will keep your sometimes ravenous appetite quiet. Not to mention, you’re less likely to overeat if your stomach is nice and happy from a deliciously nutritious & balanced meal.

Continue your regular & balanced meals.

Eat regular meals (no skipping!!) and be sure to include lots of lean protein, veggies and fruits, but keep a close eye on your carbs and stick to a serving the size of your fist. This will keep your appetite in check.

2) Pump those breaks!

Try eating a LOT slower at your holiday meals (or any meal for that matter). This will give your body & brain a chance to communicate and let you know that you are full. That way, you are more likely to stop eating when you are full rather than overdo it.

3) Protein Party

Protein can be your secret weapon. If you know you’re headed to a party, try to have a little healthy protein beforehand (like nuts, seeds, peanut butter, etc). This way you’ll get fuller faster and won’t even want to think about going for any extra dessert.

4) A little water with that wine?

For many of us, the holidays involve an alcoholic beverage or two, the key however, is to not allow the dehydrating effects of alcohol to send your appetite into overdrive. You can certainly enjoy your favorite drink, but for every alcoholic beverage you consume, drink double the water. Your body will thank you (just be cautious of those extra calories hiding in sugary cocktails).

5) Just say no.

No skipping workouts. Period. There’s always time for physical activity. Hit the gym if that’s what you enjoy, pop in your favorite workout DVD at home, hit the slopes for heart-pumping winter sports, or head out for a brisk walk/jog with your dog.

Don’t stop there though. If your job is sedentary, here are some other ways to incorporate more physical movement into your day:

Get off the bus or train 1 stop early and walk the rest of the way to work.

Park a little further away from your job and walk.

Go for a brisk walk mid-day if you can or on your lunch break.

Get up and stretch every so often.

Drink water constantly at work so you have no choice but to continually get up and walk to the bathroom.